Seed production of giant freshwater prawn in brackishwater ponds in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal

Farmers in Purba Medinipur, West Bengal, produce stockable seed of giant freshwater prawn (Macrobrachium rosenbergii) in brackish-water ponds using practical, low-investment methods. Core husbandry covers pond preparation and water management, simple biological aids that stimulate natural food, and in-pond shelters suited to smallholder conditions as well as scalable operations.

Two broodstock pathways are used: wild-caught berried females sourced from local rivers and brooders reared in freshwater grow-out, each with trade-offs in reliability, handling and consistency. Routine practice spans harvest timing, grading, packing and transport to regional buyers. The approach creates rural employment, manages weather-linked risks through day-to-day husbandry, and can reduce pressure on riverine seed collections while strengthening local supply chains for scampi culture.